About KISD
- We love and grow out students and staff;
- We foster a culture of academic excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement; and
- We work diligently to improve our school and keep out students safe.
- Increase academic performance in all core subjects for all students.
- Provide a safe environment for students and staff.
- Increase opportunities for parent, family, and community engagement.
- Recruit, employ, and retain well-qualified and professional staff while implementing policies that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Create a long-term facilities plan for future growth and aging facilities.
Karnack, Texas, is a small, historic town located in Harrison County, East Texas, near the Texas-Louisiana border. Its rich history is intertwined with the Caddo Lake area, which is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance.
HISTORY OF KARNACK
Karnack was established in the mid-19th century and is best known as the birthplace of former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. The town's name is believed to have been inspired by Karnak, an ancient city in Egypt, though the reasoning behind this is not fully clear. Like many small Texas towns, Karnack developed alongside the expansion of the railroad and agricultural industries, which played a significant role in its early economy.
However, Karnack's population has remained small, and over time, the town has preserved its quiet, rural charm. Its proximity to Caddo Lake gives it a deep connection to the natural environment and makes it a gateway for those looking to explore the region’s wetlands and rich biodiversity.
CADDO LAKE
Caddo Lake is one of the most distinctive and ecologically important bodies of water in the United States. Covering over 25,000 acres of swamp, bayous, and wetlands, Caddo Lake straddles the Texas-Louisiana border. It is the largest natural freshwater lake in Texas and one of the few swamp ecosystems in the state. The area is known for its dense cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape that draws visitors from all over.
The lake is named after the Caddo Nation, a group of Indigenous peoples who lived in the region for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. The Caddo people were skilled agriculturalists and traders, and their villages were spread throughout what is now East Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Caddo Lake was an essential resource for the Caddo, providing water, fish, and a means of transportation.
By the 19th century, Caddo Lake became a hub for steamboat trade, connecting East Texas to larger markets via the Red River. The lake's water levels fluctuated over time due to natural changes and human interventions, including the removal of the Great Raft—a massive log jam on the Red River that had blocked navigation.
WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION
Caddo Lake is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 200 species of birds, numerous types of fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. The lake's unique ecosystem, which includes both freshwater and brackish environments, supports a variety of species that thrive in its shallow waters and wetlands. Notably, it is one of the few places where the paddlefish, a prehistoric species, can still be found.
Efforts to preserve Caddo Lake's environment have been ongoing, with the area designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 1993. Conservation groups work to protect the lake's delicate ecosystem from threats such as invasive species (like the giant salvinia plant) and pollution.
CADDO LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
In 2000, parts of the former Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant were designated as the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which now covers over 7,000 acres of land. The refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including migratory birds, alligators, and other species native to the region. It also features wetlands, forests, and other natural habitats around Caddo Lake.
The Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant played a significant role in the defense and military production efforts of the United States during much of the 20th century. Established in 1942 during the early days of the US participation in World War II, it was built as part of a national effort to increase munitions production to support the war. The site covered over 8,400 acres in Harrison County, near Caddo Lake in northeast Texas. It was originally known as the Longhorn Ordnance Works.
At the time, the plant was owned by the U.S. government but operated by Universal-Cyclops Steel Corporation, a private contractor. During World War II, the plant produced TNT (trinitrotoluene), a high-explosive material critical for the manufacture of bombs, shells, and other military munitions.
The Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant was officially decommissioned in 1997 and declared excess property by the U.S. Army. Since then, portions of the site have been transferred for other uses, including environmental conservation and wildlife management.
The area’s transformation into a wildlife refuge reflects efforts to restore and protect the local ecosystem while preserving the history of the site. The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is open to the public for activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and photography.
KARNACK AND CADDO LAKE TODAY
Today, Karnack and the surrounding Caddo Lake area are known for their tourism appeal, especially for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and fishermen. The lake offers opportunities for boating, kayaking, and exploring its intricate maze of bayous and channels. The Caddo Lake State Park and nearby wildlife management areas allow visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty.
Karnack, though small, remains an important cultural and historical link to both Texas’ rural past and the environmental richness of Caddo Lake. The town serves as a reminder of East Texas’ deep connection to its natural resources and Indigenous heritage.